Handling A Flood Damaged Home- Chattanooga, TN

8/21/2020 (Permalink)

You may find that your home is suffering from water damage after a major storm has passed through your town. Water damage in Chattanooga or anywhere else for that matter, can be tough to clean up or repair. There are steps you can take right away to start on the repairs, but you’ll also want to hire a certified professional to help you. For instance, floods or storm surges which are contaminated may contain pathogens, which become a breeding ground for mold. If they are left to fester, mold spores will spread throughout your home, becoming even harder to remove; they may cause health effects to you and your family.

After a flood recedes, it is difficult to detect moisture, making your home very susceptible to water damage. Any standing liquids can encourage the growth of microbes, and within just twenty-four hours can saturate all types of textiles and go through drywall. Moisture can collect behind walls where it would be out of sight. However, if you react quickly, furniture and clothing can be saved. Remember to be cautious when entering a recently flooded building to avoid things such as contaminated liquids or even wildlife.

Turning off the electrical power before entering a home affected by water damage is essential to avoid dangerous situations. Plugged in devices or exposed wires can cause electrocution, causing severe injury or death. It is also best to slowly move through the building, since reptiles, snakes or rodents could be hidden under debris and suddenly bite. Wear protective clothing over your entire body to defend yourselves from such wildlife and any airborne contaminants. This will include rubber gloves, a vapor respirator, and protection for your eyes. Wear thick boots as well that can withstand animal bites and puncturing.

Water damage can be devastating, but you can help prepare for the professionals by removing items which are very porous and will likely have to be discarded, especially if they’ve come into contact with fluids that are contaminated. These can include box springs, mattresses, particle board and pillows, all of which trap more moisture than any other items in your home and can foster microbes. Before you get rid of the items, be sure to properly itemize and record the items for insurance purposes.

After professionals arrive, they will look for any pockets of moisture with specialized equipment, such as behind tile or other materials which might not feel wet on the outside. The technicians will expose these moisture pockets to the air when found by taking off any drywall or other materials that are in the way. The cleanup process can begin once the source of moisture is found. This can include pressure washing the area with strong detergents, and the technicians can also speed up the drying process to stop any growth of molds and other harmful bacteria. If they do find any mold, they have the mechanical or chemical methods needed to remove the threat.

SERVPRO of Chattanooga can come to your rescue at any time if you experience flooding and water damage. Just give them a call at (423) 326-1406 and they will come quickly to assess and repair the damage.